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©1998 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc. Patrick Racing's Adrian Fernandez, #40 Tecate/Quaker State Reynard 98I Ford-Cosworth (Firestone) andScott Pruett, #20 Visteon/Patrick Racing Reynard 98I Ford-Cosworth (Firestone), participated in a test at RoadAmerica in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Tuesday, June 23rd and Wednesday, June 24th. Pruett spent both days testing tires as Firestone continues its developmental program in an effort to stay atthe top of the field. Meanwhile, Fernandez worked on chassis and parts development. The test was acontinuation of a pre- and in-season testing program that has been one of the most extensive everundertaken by Patrick Racing. The program has been extremely successful in helping the team prepare andremain competitive throughout the season. Patrick Racing Team Manager, Steve Newey said, "The test went very well. We got a lot of work done at acrucial point in the season. Scott set a new team record for most miles run in a day with 372, so we got a lotof tire data for Firestone. Adrian also had a very good test. We found a couple of new items that willimprove the chassis performance on the permanent road circuits." Pruett agreed saying, "Everything went great during the test. I ran almost 380 miles and was able to get a lotof information for Firestone. Firestone continues to stay ahead because they do a lot of testing anddevelopment. The hard work really shows up at the track. The latest test was very successful both from ateam and a tire standpoint." Commenting on the test, Fernandez said, "I only ran a few laps on Tuesday but, I got a full day in onWednesday. Basically I concentrated on chassis development so we weren't really going for speed. We gota lot accomplished and ran some good times. This is the most testing I have every done with a team duringthe season. It is a big help. It makes you more aware of the technology and helps when you are setting upthe cars and talking to the engineers." Both Fernandez and Pruett feel there is a lot of racing left in the season and that anything is possible,including a challenge for the championship. Fernandez is currently fourth in the PPG Cup standings with 75 points. In the first nine races of the season hehas five top six finishes, including a win at Japan, and six top ten showings. This is the highest he has beenin the standings this late in the season in his six year CART career. The amiable 33-year-old Mexican led thepoint standings earlier this season for the first time in his career. Pruett, who is coming off a season best second place finish in Portland, is ninth in the PPG Cup standingwith 44 points. He has finished in the top ten in his last four races and now has three top five showings andfive top ten placements. The 38-year-old California native, who is the only driver to have led the standingsthe past three seasons, appears to have shaken the misfortune that plagued him during the early portion ofthe season. Source: Patrick Racing | ||
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